2012年CCTV中国经济年度人物

The CCTV Economic Person of the Year honor has been awarded since the year 2000 to those deemed the most professional and influential in China's economic development. It is not just China's "Oscar" in the economic arena, but also a reflection of the country's economic and social development.

This year, candidates are mainly from five main industries, namely, information technology, home life and travel, industrial production, daily commodities and financial investment.

The number of winners in the information technology industry is on the decrease, while those in the home life and travel industry and daily commodities industry remain unchanged, and the number of winners in industrial production and financial investment are on the rise.

Shi Shusi, Director of Workers Daily Weekly, says this indicates the growth highlights of China's economy.

"The consumption trend is determined by the middle class. After they satisfy their basic needs, they seek a better quality of life. The commerce elites will size the business opportunities in this trend."

The award winners in the past 12 years have included more than 20 industries. Among them, professionals from the automobile, electronic home appliances, IT manufacturing and finance have accounted for the most winners.

Three of the four industries involved manufacturing—an indication of China's position as a manufacturing giant.

But do changes in the industries of winners mean the fall of some pillar industries? Liu Xiaoqing, Director of China News Weekly, doesn't believe so.

"I don't think so, because these industries are supplying basic needs. These traditional industries have become part of ordinary people's lives. They may not have halos, as they are not sunrise industries. But these industries will remain active because they serve Chinese people's basic needs."

After collecting and screening the nominees for the awards, the selecting committee drew up a list of 139 recommended candidates and sent it out to more than 200 organizations and judges.

The final winner will be announced tomorrow.

For CRI, I am Li Dong.